The service sector, moving towards centre stage in the development of sustainable mobility

The service sector has a dynamic role to play in providing support and as a main player in the development of sustainable mobility. Through financial backing, innovation and technology, insurance, consultancy, tourism, transport and other activities, it contributes to reducing the environmental impact of transport and improving the quality of life in cities.

The activity of many companies in the service sector overlaps with the main sectors of transport, mobility and ancillary industries, and is moving towards being the main player in this ecosystem aimed at sustainability and which contributes with innovative solutions.

The third edition of the Global Mobility Call, the international sustainable mobility event organised by IFEMA MADRID and Smobhub, is to be held from 19 to 21 November 2024, and will be attended by sector representatives who will analyse the main advances and challenges of the transformation process.

Financial services play a key role in this area, with banks providing finance for industries such as the automotive industry, and for projects of various kinds that have a direct impact on sustainable mobility, such as the creation of digital platforms for ridesharing, improving payment and rental systems and other tools. In addition, insurers are offering tools to promote the use of electrified cars, car sharing and the circular economy.

Digital developers are involved through apps for consumers and users, in areas such as shared mobility, logistics and delivery. These technological services contribute to better sustainability, while also creating experiences by offering quick and cheap alternatives.

Services to promote the electrification of service stations, parking lots and shopping centres have the backing of companies from the service sector. Also infrastructure management, traffic control technology, fleet management and routing firms for transport companies.

Therefore, partnerships between service companies and industries, and public-private partnerships are key mechanisms to create a favourable environment for the development of sustainable mobility.

Increased linkage of services in industrial processes

As an example of the need for these partnerships, in the second edition of the Global Mobility Call, the round table “Transformation of the automobile industry”, reached the main conclusion that, as the automobile market is ”becoming increasingly service-based and less product-orientated”, this must involve banks, insurers, and technological companies among others in its development.

For the financing of new business models, the director general of Utility, José Puente, indicated in the round table that this is “the beginning of the shift” from the traditional commercial system, in which a product is manufactured and sold to obtain an profit, to another which is based on client experience. “It is now about giving clients the best value and attracting them so they pay for linked services” he stated.

About Global Mobility Call (GMC)

The Global Mobility Call was created in 2022 by IFEMA MADRID and Smobhub with the support and sponsorship of the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda (Mitma). Its objective is to position Spain as the international hub of sustainable mobility in the post-pandemic recovery. It also aims to foster business opportunities and investment, supported by NextGenerationEU funds, the largest stimulus package ever seen in Europe, and the European Green Deal, the roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality across Europe by 2050. GMC is pleased to announce its third event, which will take place from 19 to 21 November 2024 at the Recinto Ferial de Madrid. This event will bring together leaders from all sectors involved in sustainable mobility to share their vision for the development of sustainable mobility policies and business initiatives.